TOMS RIVER – A grieving widow waited months for her husband’s headstone. A senior feared he would soon be living in his van. A shopper bought meat stamped “fresh” that investigators later said was not.
Those cases may seem unrelated, but they all landed on the desk of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. During a recent Ocean County Board of Commissioners meeting, Director Ronald Heinzman offered a detailed look at the work his department performs when residents feel they have run out of options.
Price Gouging Explained
Following the late January ice and snowstorm that preceded February’s blizzard, Consumer Affairs received calls from residents concerned about potential price gouging, particularly involving road salt.
Heinzman explained that under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, price gouging laws take effect only when the governor declares a state of emergency. If a business raises prices more than 10 percent above the pre-emergency price, it may constitute a violation.
However, he cautioned that not every high price is illegal. “In the summer, we field numerous calls that a gas station is price gouging,” Heinzman said. “It’s not price gouging. It’s what a consumer is willing to pay for it.”
He reported that no complaints were filed against any Ocean County business following the January storm.
High-Profile Investigations
While many cases are resolved quietly, some have drawn public attention.
Last year, Consumer Affairs investigated Stop & Shop locations in Ocean County after complaints of spoiled and mislabeled meat. Investigators found products marked with dates indicating when they were placed on display rather than when they were actually packaged.
Some items carried expiration ranges that exceeded wholesaler recommendations. The investigation resulted in a consent agreement requiring corrective action and $75,000 in fines.
“This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence,” Heinzman said at the time. The investigation underscored the department’s role not only as mediator, but as an enforcement agency with subpoena power and the ability to levy penalties.
In another case, Consumer Affairs investigators served subpoenas on members of the executive board of Crestwood Village III in Manchester as part of an ongoing mold investigation. The department sought years of documentation related to contractors, permits, board minutes, and complaints.
According to Heinzman, responses to the subpoenas were recently received and the department is sorting through the materials to better assess the situation.
Commissioner Robert Arace has acknowledged that state law limits the county’s authority over homeowners associations, but said the situation remains a priority.
“This is about protecting seniors and their living conditions,” Arace said in connection with the investigation.
The Quiet Victories
Not all cases involve large corporations or subpoenas.
Heinzman shared the story of a widow who paid $3,145 in full for her husband’s headstone. Months passed with repeated excuses. Only when Consumer Affairs prepared to take the contractor to court did the headstone finally appear.
“These are some of the things that go on behind the scenes at Consumer Affairs that we don’t talk about,” Heinzman said
He also described working with Senior Services Director Maria LaFace to assist a senior condominium owner dealing with mold issues who said he would be homeless within days if he could not return to his unit. Heinzman said collaboration between county departments is critical to protecting vulnerable residents.
Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione shared her own example of a resident who lost $18,000 after falling for a computer virus scam. “Thank God that you guys really helped,” she said during the meeting.
Education As Prevention
Beyond enforcement, Consumer Affairs places significant emphasis on public education.
Each year, the department publishes a comprehensive consumer guide for residents. The 2025 edition of the “Consumer Insights” book outlines topics ranging from Elder Fraud and Home Contractors to Identity Theft and Phishing, Telemarketing Tips, Credit Report & Repair, Lemon Laws, and Weighing and Measuring regulations. It also includes sections on internet safety, high gas prices, and complaint forms.
Officials said the 2026 edition is currently in the process of being published and will continue to serve as a practical reference for residents navigating consumer issues.
Arace praised the department’s work, particularly in protecting seniors.
“Any senior citizen that I’ve spoken with … they’re very, very sincere in their thanks for having someone looking out for them and protecting them day to day,” he said
Building On a Strong Foundation
Heinzman, now entering his third year as director, credited former directors Edward McBride and Stephen Scaturro for building the foundation he inherited. “Each director at their time built Consumer Affairs and raised it to the next level,” Heinzman said.
Several members of the Consumer Affairs team attended the Commissioners’ meeting, where the department was highlighted. In recognizing those present, Heinzman stressed that the office’s success begins with its staff, including Dana McDonald, one of the friendly voices residents hear when they call for help.
Heinzman introduced Assistant Director Miranda Majowicz, Confidential Assistant Danielle Girgenti, whom he described as “our voice of reason,” and members of the Division of Weights and Measures including Superintendent Richard Aubin, Deputy Superintendent Brian Decasse, and Assistant Superintendent Cody Wilbur. Heinzman also gave credit to Andrew Chencharik, Joseph Marra and Frank Nicolato, from Consumer Protection, who he identified as former Ocean County business owners. “Without a team, you don’t really have a department,” he said.
The Office of Consumer Affairs was praised at a recent Ocean County Commissioners meeting. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
State Recognition
Commissioner Arace, liaison to Consumer Affairs, read a letter from the Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs recognizing the Ocean County office for its service.
The letter praised Heinzman and his staff for “their exemplary service to the residents of Ocean County” and highlighted their professionalism and responsiveness in investigating and resolving complaints.
The state commended the office’s “commitment to timely investigations, thorough case development and meaningful consumer outreach,” noting that the department’s efforts have had a tangible impact on residents across the county.
Arace said the letter “really exemplifies the work that they do every single day.”
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